Chocolates: Good or Bad for Your Health?

Chocolates: Good or Bad for Your Health?

By Mirella Levin

There are four basic food groups: milk, dark and white chocolate, and chocolate truffles.

This well-loved treat has become one of the most popular and well known foods around the world. However, it is still uncertain as to whether or not it is good or bad for your health. There are also different types; white, milk and dark. Each of these types could potentially affect the body differently. Until recently, eating any of these types was always seen as guilty pleasure, but due to recent investigations, this delicious treat may have a new reputation of actually be good for your health.

Protecting Your Arteries

One of the main ingredients is the cocoa bean which contains some 400 different chemicals. Some of these can have various effects on our bodies and our health. An example of one of these is flavonoids. However, when we refer to these as an ingredient, they are known as flavonols. These can be found in large quantities in cocoa beans and have many positive attributes. They help reduce the risk of blood clots because they prevent the blood platelets from sticking together and thus forming clots. They can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems by preventing fat-like substances from oxidizing and clogging the arteries, which can often lead to a heart attack. Of the three types, the dark variety contains the largest quantities of flavonols.

Rich Mix of Beneficial Chemicals

Other substances in cocoa have been known to help the body process nitric oxide which is important for good blood flow and healthy blood pressure. One of the main benefits we gain from consuming this food is that is helps keep blood pressure down, increases blood flow and it helps promote a healthy heart. Another positive aspect is that it has higher doses of Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) compared to other foods such as blueberries, prunes etc. The ORAC measurement is a way of comparing how powerful an antioxidant is. Cocoa also contains three types of amino acids; tryptophan, phenylalanine and tyrosine. These can all be found in large quantities. Two of the proteins are involved with the release of chemicals adrenaline and dopamine which is why we feel happy and somewhat energized when we eat this food.

A Natural Analgesic

It has also been shown that chocolate is a natural analgesic. This means that it lessens pain. There has been a long existing rumor that eating it can also help control menstrual cramps by lessening the pain. This has proven to be true for some women and this is because it is an analgesic.

Cholesterol - Getting Rid of the Bad and Increasing the Good

The dark variety is the “healthiest” of the three types as it reduces the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (it is through oxidation that this cholesterol becomes “bad”) and it increases levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. It is suggested that by eating 6.7 grams of dark chocolate a day (or half a bar per week), a person can be at a lower risk of inflammation and cardiovascular disease.

The Right Kind - and In Moderation

In conclusion, this delicious food has some health benefits but this is only if consumed in moderation. If eaten too frequently or in large quantities, it can lead to obesity and other health-related problems. We can argue that it does contain some chemicals that can promote alertness, lessen pain and promote overall well-being. It has also been shown that the dark variety will lead to the most health benefits when compared to the milk and white types. Basically, the type and the quantity consumed determines whether this snack food is good for your health or not.

Sources:

http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=8326 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923104408.htm https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/HEALTHbeat_030309.htm

Love Lost by Temper Trap

I know it’s hard

But I can still hear it beating

So if you flash your heart

I won’t mistreat it

I promise

Our love was lost

In the rubble are all the things

That you’ve, you’ve been dreaming of

Keep me in mind

When you’re ready

I am here

To take you every time

Our love was lost

But now its found

The Long Goodbye to Harry Potter

Now that the Harry Potter franchise is over, let us take a moment of silence and remember everything we've lost.

Voldemort's "No-hug" policy

The resurrection stone

Neville's Baby Fats

Just kidding.

This is what I can say about the last Harry Potter movie.

After watching the last installment of the seven part novel, I must say there were very minor flaws but overall, it was great. Everything from effects, character development, actor performances, etc. The cinematography was superb. The sight of a Hogwarts in ruins was simply breathtaking. Emotions were skillfully built up at just the right moments. Many times, I felt my heart racing as our heroes narrowly escaped death, and found myself tearing up when a beloved character died. All in all I really enjoyed myself. There were multiple times I really had to hold myself together. The Fred and Lupin and Tonks scene was one of those.

I applaud Alan Rickman for his performance in this movie. I think that his performance in this movie was the best out of all his performances in the whole Harry Potter series. He made the audience feel what he was feeling when he saw Lily dead and held her as he was sobbing. The whole thing was just so heartbreaking.

Snape’s death scene was perfection, along with the trio’s reactions to it. They all looked so confused because they were pitying this man who they were so positive was evil. That. Was. Brilliant.

Just one thing, I did not like Ron and Hermione’s kissing scene because the camera angle sucked with Ron’s head covering Hermione’s entire face, pretty much ruining the entire moment.

In my opinion though, the fight scenes were a little held back, they did not give more intensity as they did for the graveyard scene from the Goblet of Fire. Although, I very much enjoyed the McGonogall-Snape duel.

Another scene that I like is seeing the Malfoys struggling to walk across the courtyard to Voldemort. Their storyline didn’t take up a large amount of time, but it was still done beautifully.

The battle scene? Well, as expected.. Voldemort died. Just like that. Nothing special.

But in all fairness it was an amazing movie, I think it just had so much hype that I expected too much.. At two hours, the shortest run time in the series, I actually found the length to be incredibly satisfying. Maybe reading the books will leave me expecting nothing but perfection.

And do I really need to talk about the "19 years later part"..

Seriously.. a movie that has accrued $21 Billion dollars over the years and all they use was a little grey makeup and bad hairstyles. This scene is really funny! I couldn't stop laughing!

Like many of my generation, I grew up with these characters, a loyal fan in the audience. Though these kids are witches and wizards in a fictional world far beyond our own, it’s almost as if they are real people. I learned the importance of loyalty to our friends, and of courage. It also taught us what it means to choose between doing what’s right and taking the easy way out. I learned about fighting for what we believe in and appreciating what we have. It has also helped me to fully appreciate the meaning of love and the power it holds. Along the way in learning the importance of these values and virtues, I made powerful emotional attachments to each and every character that I will never forget. It was seeing how much the main characters who portray them have transformed physically and personally from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone to Part 2 that made me realize just how big of an impact the saga has had on my life. This is why, I am very emotional as of writing this review.

I am so sad that the Harry Potter movies are over.. But the magic will always live on in my heart.. =)

Westlife's Gravity Tour in Manila 2011

For the 2nd time, I think I am going to watch them live in Araneta Coliseum on Sept 29, 2011. This time, Westlife has only four members after Bryan McFadden quit the group two years ago to devote more time to his family and later pursue a solo career.

Kobe Bryant: Thrilla in Manila

A DREAM COME TRUE.. not just for me but for every Filipino with the passion of playing basketball.

For the past couple of weeks, it's like chasing the Black Mamba.

Manila truly loves Kobe Bryant. Hearing them chant "MVP! MVP! Kobe! Kobe! Kobe!" was just great.

It was nothing new to me since I've seen him 4 times already. But I don't know I keep taking every opportunity to see him.. it was like a mixture of delight and happiness. As they wrapped up the weekend last Sunday, I just can't let go of the moment. I just sat in my chair waiting for the other people to get out of Araneta Coliseum still feeling shocked. Overacting? Maybe yes. But hell yeah that's what I am feeling after the game. I feel like teary-eyed that it just ended. I am in disbelief that I just saw them played live not just once but twice.

It is one of the best experiences I have ever had and it truly was awesome to see the best players in the world play right here in Manila.

Thank you Kobe for up lifting the filipino spirit and athletes on doing what they love to do.

I hope this is not the last time.

Here are the highlights.. showing the young KOBE.. =)

Kobe Bryant & other NBA Stars Loves Manila

The showcase basketball exhibition held in SMART Araneta Coliseum last July23-24,2011 was more than just a basketball fantasy for hoop lovers, it was a celebration of both the basketball talent in the country and grand display of Philippine hospitality.

Chris Paul:

“I feel like this was a real All Star game.”

Kevin Durant:

“Thank you for giving me a chance to come across the world and experience something different!” posted Durant on his Twitter account, addressing his agent.

“I love the Philippines. Had so much fun hoopin in front of you all."

Derrick Rose:

“I love it here,” expressed Chicago Bulls’ Rose, who got one of the loudest cheers the entire weekend for gamely showcasing his spellbinding athleticism.

Javale McGee:

“So much love in Manila. Hope to comeback soon.”

Derrick Williams:

“Hope y’all had as much fun as we did! Thank you all again! We will be back."

James Harden:

“Game was Amazing! Shouts out to Manila Philippines for allowing us to visit and the hospitality!”

Kobe Bryant:

“It’s been a tremendous honor to play here.”

“Thank your for the love and support that you have in the sport. It was our first time playing here, hopefully this won’t be the last.”

They agreed to play in the country after team owners and players of the NBA failed to reach a new collective bargaining agreement before the June 30 deadline.

MVP Sports Foundation executive director Chot Reyes, however, is uncertain if the spectacle that thrilled hoop junkies throughout the country could be back for a repeat performance.

It was reported that Bryant himself received more than $400,000 for his weekend in the Philippines.

For the fans like me that caught the show, it must have been PRICELESS.

Manny Pacquiao Rocks!

While many Filipinos were eager to get a picture with the NBA All-Stars last weekend, the NBA visitors surrounded the pound-for-pound king Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao when he stepped onto the game floor. Truly amazing scene! Proud to be a Filipino.

Watch as Hornets point guard Chris Paul try to challenge Pac-Man to a fight:

Hershey's Chocolate World

When I went to M&Ms Chocolate world in Las Vegas 2 years ago, I was amazed like a kid.

This year, another wonders of the world, I mean Chocolate world opens its first Middle East Hershey's Chocolate World store in the world's largest shopping and entertainment destination in the world, The Dubai Mall.

My Gosh. I'm definitely going to panic here. How I wish I could go here before I gets old haha.

Midnight Mercato

Last July 22-23, I had a feast with the food galore in Mercato, The Fort with my friends.

Wow. Food tripping is always the best. With so much food to try on, I felt full already just by looking at them so I guess I didn't overeat.

Day 1 (around 11:00pm) - P100 wintermelon bubbletea, P50 caramel cake, P75 hungarian sausage

Day 2 - (around 12nn) - P75 manang chicken, P35 mango shake, P50 choco moist cake.

Loved them all.

Definitely you should go there with friends and family! The experience itself is worth it! Free entrance, live band performance plus awesome food to try!

Midnight Mercato Operating Hours:
Friday and Saturday from 10:00pm to 3:00am
Mercato Centrale in the morning is still open 7:00am to 2:00pm.
Address: 34th street and 8th avenue (across MC Home Depot)

Body Combat 48

This maybe one of my favorite releases of Body Combat.

Track 9 (abs) was the hardest I've ever tried.

Of course, my favorites are Track 3 and 8. But in this release, I also liked track 5.

Whew! Loved it!

Good Life by One Republic

Sometimes, all you need is a good song for a good life.. =)

When you're happy like a fool
Let it take you over
When everything is out
You gotta take it in

I miss my cat

it's been 3 months..